Why five-a-day might not be enough – and the number of plants you should be eating
Simple diet change could improve your cholesterol levels, research finds
- Research from King's College London indicates that consuming a diverse range of 11 different plant-based foods daily is associated with improved health.
- The study found that a varied plant diet, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, herbs, spices, and oils, led to better cholesterol levels, blood sugar markers, and overall diet quality.
- Current UK dietary guidance often emphasises quantity, such as 'five-a-day', but the findings suggest that variety across all plant food groups is equally crucial for health.
- Participants with higher plant diversity in their diets also exhibited healthier lifestyles, including lower smoking rates, compared to those with less diverse diets.
- Experts advise incorporating a wider array of plant foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices to enhance dietary diversity beyond just fruits and vegetables.